Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester Art Gallery showing a city, flowers and street scenes
Manchester Art Gallery featuring art as well as a couple
Manchester Art Gallery showing interior views and art as well as a small group of people
Manchester Art Gallery featuring interior views and art as well as an individual female
Manchester Art Gallery showing art and interior views


Enjoy important British paintings and sculptures, as well as family-friendly activities, at this award-winning and free historic exhibit space.

Manchester Art Gallery is one of the region’s most popular cultural attractions. It attracts 400,000 visitors every year. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the exhibits as there is plenty of accessible information on hand. Many interactive programmes are aimed at children, but the museum also caters for long-time art lovers who’d like to get a close look at the 19th-century British paintings this museum is famous for.The historic gallery opened in 1824 and today occupies three buildings, the oldest of those being carefully preserved as a heritage building. Manchester Art Gallery has won several prestigious awards and is home to more than 25,000 objects.Many of the city’s most important works of fine art are housed at the gallery and the vast collection spans six centuries. Immerse yourself in the world of the pre-Raphaelites, Britain’s first and best-known radical art movement. Narrow your scope and discover the popular works of Manchester impressionist Adolphe Valette, including his depiction of nearby Albert Square. Alongside his paintings are works by one of his students, L.S. Lowry.Check out the detailed programme of rotating exhibits and family activities on the gallery’s website before your visit. The gallery’s temporary programmes include anything from historic to cutting-edge work, of all art forms. Families with young children can join workshops and special tours. The gallery is also popular with school groups, so if you’d like a quieter visit come late afternoon on a weekday or on Thursday evenings. Enjoy a glass of wine in the café, browse the displays at your own pace or enjoying a talk from a visiting artist.Manchester Art Gallery is located in the city centre. Due to the lack of on-site parking, it’s best to reach the gallery by taking public transport to St. Peter’s Square. From there, it’s a short walk to the gallery. If you do drive, there are user-pay National Car Parks (NCP) within walking distance. The building caters for wheelchairs and prams. Admission to the gallery, and many of its special family activities, is free.

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Things to do near Manchester Art Gallery

At Manchester Art Gallery, visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant array of activities including art exhibitions, art fairs, and guided art tours showcasing the gallery's impressive collection. The surrounding area boasts a rich cultural scene with theatres and unique shopping experiences, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to explore Manchester's artistic and social offerings.

Shopping

Visit Deansgate Locks, just 644m from Manchester Art Gallery, for a vibrant atmosphere with shops and eateries. Affleck's Palace, also 644m away, offers unique stalls and eclectic gifts. For a larger experience, Trafford Centre is 6.4km away, featuring a vast selection of stores and entertainment.

Recreation

Old Trafford, a renowned sports stadium, offers an electric atmosphere for football enthusiasts, only 3.2km from the gallery. For music lovers, the Manchester Academy, situated 1.6km away, hosts thrilling concerts. For a leisurely day outdoors, Northenden Golf Course, 8.0km away, provides a relaxing golfing experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, located 805m from Manchester Art Gallery, where you can solve challenges in a vibrant, interactive setting. For adrenaline junkies, the UK Bungee Club offers a 160ft bungee jump 3.2km away, while Chill FactorE, 8.0km away, provides indoor skiing and snowboarding fun.

Nightlife

In Manchester, the O2 Apollo offers a vibrant theatre experience just 1.6km from the gallery, perfect for culture and romance. Meanwhile, the Printworks cinema, only 644m away, provides thrilling entertainment, while the Manchester Opera House, also 644m distant, showcases captivating performances for all ages.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester Art Gallery offers a vibrant cultural experience, surrounded by charming streets and urban parks. Visitors can explore nearby churches that reflect the city’s rich heritage. This area is perfect for those seeking a blend of culture, family-friendly activities, and urban exploration, making it an ideal destination for travellers looking to immerse themselves in Manchester's artistic and historical offerings.

  • AO Arena: A premier venue for concerts and sporting events, AO Arena boasts an electrifying atmosphere. With a capacity of over 21,000, it hosts world-class performances and thrilling games, making it a must-visit for sports and music enthusiasts alike.
  • Deansgate: This vibrant street is the heart of Manchester's shopping and dining scene. Lined with trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, Deansgate provides a lively urban experience, perfect for exploring local culture and indulging in culinary delights.
  • Salford Quays: A picturesque waterfront area, Salford Quays is home to modern architecture, art galleries, and the iconic MediaCityUK. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the quayside or immerse yourself in the cultural offerings, including the renowned Lowry Theatre.

Best time to go to Manchester Art Gallery

The best time to visit Manchester Art Gallery can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Manchester Art Gallery falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Manchester Art Gallery falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
February39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Manchester Art Gallery

To save money during your visit to Manchester Art Gallery, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February and August, when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, avoiding Saturdays for potential savings. Use Expedia to find and compare affordable hotels, and don't forget to combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts. Walking is a great way to explore the area, and be sure to keep an eye out for free activities around the gallery for an enriching experience without the cost.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Manchester Art Gallery are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Manchester Art Gallery is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Manchester Art Gallery is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can cut costs by combining your hotel reservation at the Manchester Art Gallery with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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